Care and Resource Utilisation

South East Essex Primary Care Trust
Care and Resource Utilisation
Policies to ensure appropriateness of care
Review March 2008
PLASTIC SURGERY
Contents 2
Introduction 3
General Principles 4
Procedures and Presenting Problems
Body Contouring Procedures
Abdominoplasty or Apronectomy 6
Other Skin excision for Contour 7
Liposuction 7
Skin and Subcutaneous Lesions
Acne Vulgaris 8
Lipomata 8
Viral Warts 8
Other Benign Skin Lesions 9
Vascular Skin Lesions 10
Rhinophyma 10
Xanthelasma 10
Tattoo Removal 11
Scar Revision 11
Facial Procedures
Face Lifts and Brow Lifts (Rhytidectomy) 13
Blepharoplasty upper lid 13
lower lid 14
Rhinoplasty 14
Pinnaplasty/Otoplasty 14
Repair of External Ear Lobes 15
Aesthetic Facial Surgery 15
Alopecia 16
Male Pattern Baldness 16
Hair Transplantation 16
Hair Depilation 16
Breast Procedures
Female Breast Reduction 17
Breast Reconstruction/Augmentation 18
Asymmetry 18
Revision of Breast Augmentation 18
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) 19
Nipple Inversion 19
Gynaecomastia 20
Appendix 1 – Patient Pathway 21
INTRODUCTION
Whilst most of the work of plastic surgeons in the NHS concerns the
restoration of appearance and function following trauma, cancer,
degenerative conditions or congenital deformity, a number of referrals are
made for conditions that are considered to be of lower priority or for
treatments not usually available on the NHS.
These policies provide guidance on priorities for the commissioning and
delivery of plastic surgery services. They advise on explicit criteria for
referral and treatment inclusion thresholds and trigger points for South East
Essex PCT referrals.
The policy has been developed with consultation of the document from the
Modernisation Agency’s Action On plastic surgery (2005).
The inclusion criteria within this policy are for the majority of referrals to NHS
plastic surgeons that might be considered to be of lower priority or for
treatments not usually available. For some of the conditions covered by this
policy, patients may also be referred to other specialists such as
dermatologists, ENT surgeons, breast surgeons and oral surgeons. The
restrictions within the policy will be covered by the same criteria for all such
referrals, irrespective of the specialist or location, to avoid introducing
inequalities of provision and the creation of alternative referral pathways to
bypass the service restriction policy as set.
General Principles
Referrals for plastic surgery from both primary and tertiary sources will be
assessed in line with the Care and Resource Utilisation Policy and the clinical
evidence provided.
For an authorised first appointment, the Plastic Surgery Specialist to whom
the referral is subsequently passed should decide whether the patient would
benefit from plastic surgical intervention, and if so, establish that the patient
fully understands the risks and benefits of surgery.
All referrals should be assessed for both first OPD appointments and
subsequent procedure appointments, in line with the policy and clinical
evidence.
Cosmetic surgery undertaken exclusively to improve appearance should not
be funded in adults, in the absence of previous trauma, disease or congenital
deformity.
Assessment of patients being considered for referral who have an underlying
genetic, endocrine or psychosocial condition should have had this fully
investigated by a relevant specialist prior to the referral to plastic surgery
being made.
Referrals within the NHS for the revision of treatments originally performed
outside the NHS will not usually be permitted. Referrers should be
encouraged to re-refer to the practitioner who carried out the original
treatment.
Surgery should be supported where a patient has been accepted onto an
NHS waiting list prior to taking up residence in South East Essex, providing
the existing clinical evidence has remained the same.
Where a patient has previously had NHS funded treatment, procedures
necessary for dealing with complications or an outcome that, because of
complications or technical difficulties, has resulted in cosmetic or physical
problems that, from a professional point of view, are severe enough to oblige
the NHS to fund corrective treatment should be supported.
An undesirable outcome from an aesthetic perspective and the questions of
whether revision should be funded is an issue that the referrer should discuss
with the patient prior to referring on to plastic surgery.
The National Service Framework for Children (National Service Framework
for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. DH October 2004),
defines childhood as ending at 19 years. Funding for this age group should
only be considered if there is a problem likely to impair normal emotional
development. Children under the age of five rarely experience teasing and
referrals may reflect concerns expressed by the parents rather than the child,
which should be taken into consideration prior to referral. Some patients are
only able to seek correction surgery once they are in control of their own
healthcare decisions and again should be taken into consideration prior to
referral.
The appeals mechanism should be activated for patients who are excluded
from treatment to have a refusal decision independently reviewed in line with
South East Essex PCT Special Cases Procedure.
Procedures and Presenting Problems
Abdominoplasty or Apronectomy
It is recognised that the consequences of morbid obesity will become an
increasing problem for the NHS and that a robust restriction policy, needs to
be developed to ensure that appropriate patients benefit from interventions
that change the body contour.
Abdominoplasty and apronectomy may be offered to the following groups of
patients who should have achieved a stable BMI between 18 and 27 Kg/m²
and be suffering from sever functional problems:
 Those with scarring following trauma or previous abdominal surgery
 Those who are undergoing treatment for morbid obesity and have
excessive abdominal folds
 Previously obese patients who have achieved significant weight loss
and have maintained their weight loss for at least two years
 Where it is required as part of abdominal hernia correction or other
abdominal wall surgery
Severe Functional problems include:
 Recurrent intertrigo beneath the skin fold
 Experiencing severe difficulties with daily living i.e. ambulatory
restrictions. These patients will need full assessment by the
appropriate professional e.g. OT. Prior to referral
 Where previous post trauma or surgical scarring (usually midline
vertical or multiple) leads to very poor appearance and results in
disabling psychological distress or risk of infection.
 Abdominal wall prolapse with proven urinary symptoms
 Problems associated with poorly fitting stoma bags
Rationale
Excessive abdominal skin folds may occur following weight loss in the
previously obese patient and can cause significant functional difficulty. There
are many patients who do not meet the definition of morbid obesity (BMI >40
Kg/m²) but whose weight loss is significant enough to create these difficulties.
These types of procedures, which may be combined with limited liposuction,
can be used to correct scarring and other abnormalities of the anterior
abdominal wall and skin. It is important that patients undergoing such
procedures have achieved and maintained a stable weight so that the risks of
recurrent obesity are reduced. The availability of teams specialising in
bariatric surgery is limited, but many patients achieving their weight loss
outside such teams should not be disadvantaged in accessing body-
contouring surgery if required.
Other skin excision for contour
Buttock lifts, thigh lifts and arm lifts (brachioplasty), procedures will only be
funded in exceptional circumstances.
Rationale
Whilst the patient groups seeking such procedures are similar to those
seeking abdominoplasty, the functional disturbance of skin excess in these
sites tends to be less and so surgery is less likely to be indicated except for
appearance: in which case it should not be available on the NHS
Liposuction
Liposuction may be useful for contouring areas of localised fat atrophy or
pathological hypertrophy e.g. multiple lipomatosis, lipodystropies.
Liposuction is sometimes an adjunct to other surgical procedures. It will not
be funded simply to correct the distribution of fat.
Skin and Subcutaneous Lesions
A patient with a skin or subcutaneous lesion that has features suspicious of
malignancy must be referred to an appropriate specialist for urgent
assessment.
Acne Vulgaris
The treatment of active acne vulgaris should be provided in primary care or
through a dermatology service.
Patients with severe facial post-acne scarring can benefit from resurfacing
and other surgical interventions, which may be available from the plastic
surgery service. All resurfacing techniques, including laser, dermabrasion
and chemical peels may be considered for post-traumatic scarring, including
post surgical and serve acne scarring once the active disease is controlled.
This will need to be evaluated as being inactive by the referrer.
Lipomata
The NHS should consider lipomata of any size for treatment in the following
circumstances:
 The lipoma is/are symptomatic
 There is a functional impairment
 The lymphoma is rapidly growing or abnormally located e.g. sub-facial,
sub-muscular
Viral Warts
Most viral warts will clear spontaneously or following application of topical
treatments.
Treatment for warts, including cryotherapy, should not be purchased unless
there are exceptional circumstances.
Treatment for genital warts should be purchased.
Painful, persistent or extensive warts, particularly in the immuno-suppressed
patient, will need specialist assessment from a dermatologist.
Other Benign Skin Lesions
Clinically benign skin lesions should not be removed on purely cosmetic
grounds. This will include, amongst other conditions, skin tags and
seborrhoeic keratoses.
Patients with moderate to large lesions that cause actual facial disfigurement
may benefit from surgical excision. Medical photography will be required
before a funding decision can be made. The risk of scarring must be
balanced against the appearance of the lesion.
Epidermoid or pillar cysts (sebaceous cysts) are always benign but some
may become infected or be symptomatic. Some may require surgical
excision particularly if located on the face or on a site where they are
subjected to trauma.
Indications for intervention might include:
 Bleeding, recurrent trauma, site or size that interferes with normal day
to day activity. E.g. a naevus on the bridge of the nose that interferes
with the wearing of glasses.
 Uncertain diagnosis
 Sebaceous or inclusion cysts with a past history of repeated infection.
Cysts on the scalp or other body parts should be managed in the context of
the minor operations/general surgery. Funding will be considered for:
 Treatment of diabetic injection sites
 Pathological lipodystrophy
Multiple neurofibromatosis will be funded for plastic surgery.
Lesions on other sites, needing removal, should normally be managed in the
context of dermatology or general surgery.
Rationale
The decision to remove benign skin lesions from conspicuous sites is a
balance between the appearances of the original lesion against the likely
appearance of the resulting scar. Potential patients should be fully
counselled by the practitioner making the referral prior to the initial OPD
appointment, to ensure the patient is fully aware of the surgical option being
made and the consequences.
Vascular Skin Lesions
Port wine stains on the face will be funded for removal. Port wine stains on
other parts of the body that are causing physical discomfort or are resulting in
tissue hypertrophy should be funded.
The threshold for agreeing funding will be lower in patients under the age of
19 years.
Treatment should be considered for other haemangiomatous or vascular
lesions should be funded if:
 There are physical problems such as bleeding or ulceration
 The lesion is on the face and is unusually prominent and is getting
bigger.
Funding will not be allowed for small benign, acquired vascular lesions such
as thread veins and spider naevi.
Rhinophyma
The first-line treatment of the nasal skin condition is medical. Severe cases
or those that do not respond to medical treatment may be considered for
surgery or laser treatment.
Xanthelasma
Patients with xanthelasma should always have their lipid profile checked
before referral to plastic surgery.
Many xanthelasmata may be treated with topical TCA or cryotherapy. Larger
lesions or those that have not responded to these treatments may benefit
from surgery if the lesion is disfiguring. Clinical evidence that previous
treatment has been pursued before referral has been made will be required.
Rationale
Xanthelasma may be associated with abnormally high cholesterol levels and
this should be tested for. They may be very unsightly and multiple and do not
always respond to ‘medical’ treatments. Surgery can require blepharoplasty
type operations and/or skin grafts.
Tattoo Removal
The funding for removal of tattoos will be considered in the following
circumstances:
 Funding should be considered for allergy to pigments
 Where the tattoo is the result of trauma, inflicted against the patient’s
will
 The patient was not found to be Fraser (formally Gillick) competent,
and therefore not responsible for their actions, at the time of the
tattooing.
 Exceptions may also be made for tattoos inflicted under duress during
adolescence or disturbed periods where it is considered that
psychological rehabilitation, break up of family units or prolonged
unemployment could be avoided, given the treatment opportunity.
(Only considered in very exceptional circumstances where the tattoo
causes marked limitations of psychosocial function).
Psychiatric/psychological reports will need to be provided with the
initial referral.
Rationale
Many patients seeking tattoo removal are from disadvantaged backgrounds
that did not fully recognise the implications of a tattoo on subsequent
employment and life opportunities.
Scar Revision
Scars that are resulting in physical disability due to contractors, tethering or
recurrent breakdown will be funded.
Keloid scars, due to an over vigorous reaction in a scar, is more common in
certain parts of the body and in certain racial groups.
Funding will be available for:
 Keloid scars that result in physical distress due to significant pain or
pruritis
 Significant keloid scarring on the face
 Keloid scarring following ear piercing
Funding will not be available for:
 Keloid scars on other parts of the body
 Keloid scars secondary to body piercing procedures
 Scars secondary to trauma/accidents
 Scars on the face that are ragged, over 2cm in length or can otherwise
be regarded, as particularly disfiguring will be funded.
 Scars on the rest of the body. Scar revision for cosmetic purposes will
not be funded unless the disfigurement can be regarded as particularly
grave. Cases will be judged on an individual basis.
In both cases, medical photography will be required with the initial referral.
Scars as a result of self-harm
 These are very difficult to treat and usually the only achievable
outcome is to make the scars resemble trauma or burns rather than be
obviously due to self-harm. Treatment will only be funded when there
has been a minimum period of three years where there has been no
self-harm and where there is a supporting report from a psychiatrist
indicating that the behaviour would be unlikely to recur.
FACIAL PROCEDURES
Face lifts and brow lifts (Rhytidectomy)
These procedures will be considered for treatment of:
 Congenital face abnormalities
 Facial palsy (congenital or acquired paralysis)
 As part of the treatment of specific conditions affecting the facial skin
e.g. cutis laxa, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, neurofibromatosis
 To correct the consequences of trauma
 To correct deformity following surgery
 They will not be available to treat the natural processes of ageing.
Rationale
There are many changes to the face and brow as a result of ageing that may
be considered normal, however there are a number of specific conditions for
which these procedures may form part of the treatment to restore
appearance and function.
Blepharoplasty (upper and lower lid)
Upper Lid
This procedure will be funded to correct functional impairment (not purely for
cosmetic reasons)
Indications:
 Impairment of visual fields in the relaxed, non-compensated state
 Clinical observation of poor eyelid function, discomfort, e.g. headache
worsening towards end of day and/or evidence of chronic
compensation through elevation of the brow
Rationale
Many people acquire excess skin in the upper eyelids as part of the process
of ageing and this may be considered normal. However if this starts to
interfere with vision or function of the eyelid apparatus then this can warrant
treatment.
Lower Lid
This will be funded for correction of ectropion or entropian or for the removal
of lesions of the eyelid skin or lid margin.
Rationale
Excessive skin in the lower lid may cause ‘bags’ but does not affect function
of the eyelid or vision and therefore does not need correction. Blepharoplasty
type procedures however may form part of the treatment of disorders of the
lid or overlying skin.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty should be funded for:
 Problems caused by obstruction of the nasal airway
 Objective nasal deformity caused by trauma
 Part of reconstructive head and neck surgery
 Correction of complex congenital conditions e.g.cleft lip and palate
Patients with isolated airway problems, in the absence of visible nasal
deformity, should be referred initially to an ENT consultant for assessment
and treatment.
Pinnaplasty/Otoplasty
The following criteria should be met for funding to be made available:
 The patient must be between the ages of 5 and 14 years at the time of
referral
 Patients seeking pinnaplasty should be seen by a plastic surgeon and
following assessment, if there is any concern, assessed by a
psychologist
Rationale
Prominent ears may lead to significant psychological dysfunction for children
and impact on the education of young children as a result of teasing and
truancy. Some patients are only able to seek correction once they are in
control of their own healthcare decisions. Children under the age of 4 years
are not deemed suitable clinically for this procedure, therefore surgery should
only be offered from 5 years and upwards.
Repair of external ear lobes
This procedure will only be funded for the repair of totally split ear lobes as a
result of direct trauma. Prior to surgical correction, patients should receive
pre-operative advice to inform them of:
 Likely success rates
 The risk of keloid and hypertrophic scarring in this site
 The risks of further trauma with re-piercing of the ear lobe
Rationale
Many split earlobes follow the wearing of excessively heavy earrings with
insufficient tissue to support them, such that the earring slowly ‘cheese-wires’
through the lobule. Correction of split earlobes is not always successful and
the earlobe is a site where poor scar formation is a recognised risk.
Aesthetic Facial Surgery
Funding should be considered for:
 Anatomical abnormalities in children <19 years, likely to cause
impairment of normal emotional development
 Pathological abnormalities
 Correction of post traumatic bony and soft tissue deformity of the face
Alopecia
Funding will be available when it is a result of previous surgery or trauma
including burns
Male pattern baldness
Is excluded from funding.
Rationale
So-called ‘male pattern baldness’ is a normal process for many men at
whatever age it occurs.
Hair transplantation
Will not be funded, regardless of gender, other than in exceptional cases,
such as reconstruction of the eyebrow following cancer or trauma.
Hair depilation
Hair depilation will be funded for patients who:
 Have undergone reconstructive surgery leading to abnormally located
hair-bearing skin
 Those with a proven underlying endocrine disturbance resulting in
Hirsutism e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome
 Are undergoing treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence
BREAST PROCEDURES
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is an effective intervention that should be funded if
the following criteria are met:
 The patient is suffering from neck ache or backache. Clinical evidence
will need to be produced that this has been investigated to rule out any
other medical/physical problems to cause these symptoms
 The wearing of a professionally fitted brassiere has not relieved the
symptoms
 Persistent intertrigo
 Serious functional impairment
 The patient has a BMI of less than 30 kg/m²
Patients should have an initial assessment by the referrer prior to an
appointment with a consultant plastic surgeon to ensure that these criteria
are met. At, or following this assessment, there should be access to a trained
bra fitter, to assess if this alone will relieve the symptoms experienced by the
patient. Assessment of the thorax should be performed, including the use of
x-ray, scan etc.
Rationale
Breast reduction places considerable demand on NHS resources due to the
volume of cases and the length of surgery, and yet has been shown to be a
highly effective health intervention. There is published evidence showing that
most women seeking breast reduction are not wearing a bra of the correct
size and that a well fitted bra can sometimes alleviate the symptoms that are
troubling the patient. Reputable companies will need to be sought for this
service.
The upper limit of normal BMI is 25 Kg/m2 . Patients seeking breast reduction
have physical restrictions on their ability to exercise and additional weight in
their excess breast tissue (sometimes 3-4Kg). Major complications for
surgery in general and specifically related to breast reduction surgery have
been shown to be greater if the BMI exceeds 30.
Breast Reconstruction/Augmentation
At present breast reconstruction competes with breast augmentation, which
prevents the Plastic Surgeon Consultants being able to offer an appropriate,
timely appointment for these patients. Therefore, augmentation will only be
performed for reconstructive purposes and will not be carried out for small but
normal breasts or for breast tissue involution, including post partum changes.
Asymmetry
Funding will only be considered if there is gross disparity of breast cup sizes
on initial consultation with the patients GP.
Rationale
Demand for breast enlargement is rising in the UK. Breast implants may be
associated with significant morbidity and the need for secondary or revisional
surgery, such as implant replacement, at some point in the future, is
common. Implants have a variable life span and the need for replacement or
removal in the future is likely in young patients. Not all patients demonstrate
improvement in psychosocial outcome measures following breast
augmentation.
Revision of Breast Augmentation
Revisional surgery is carried out for implant failure, causing proven health
problems the decision to replace the implants rather than simply remove
them should be based upon the clinical need for replacement and whether
the patient meets the criteria for augmentation at the time of revision.
Replacement should not be funded if the original operation was done for
cosmetic reasons in the private sector.
Rationale
Prior to the development of restriction/inclusion policies, a small number of
patients underwent breast augmentation in the NHS for purely cosmetic
reasons. There may however be clinical reasons why replacement of the
implants remains an appropriate surgical intervention. For these reasons it is
important that:
 Prior to implant insertion all patients explicitly be made aware of the
possibilities of complications, implant life span, the need for possible
removal of the implant at a future date and that future policy may differ
from the current policy.
 Patients should also be made aware that implant removal in the future
might not be automatically followed by replacement of the implant.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
This is included as part of the treatment of breast asymmetry and reduction
but not for purely cosmetic/aesthetic purposes such as post-lactational ptosis.
Rationale
Breast ptosis is normal with the passage of age and after pregnancy.
Patients with breast asymmetry often have asymmetry of shape as well as
volume and correction may require mastopexy as part of the treatment.
Nipple Inversion
Nipple inversion may occur as a result of underlying breast malignancy. If
the inversion is newly developed, it requires urgent referral and assessment.
Surgical correction of nipple inversion should only be available for functional
reasons in a post-pubertal woman and if the inversion has not been corrected
by correct use of a non-invasive suction device.
Rationale
Idiopathic nipple inversion can often (but not always) be corrected by the
application of sustained suction. Commercially available devices may be
obtained from major chemists or online without prescription for use at home
by the patient. Greatest success is seen if it used correctly for up to three
months.
An underlying breast cancer may cause a previously normally everted nipple
to become indrawn: this must be investigated urgently.
Gynaecomastia
Surgery to correct gynaecomastia should be allowed if the patient is:
 Post pubertal
 Normal BMI < 25 Kg/m2
True gynaecomastia that is mainly caused by an excess of glandular breast
tissue will be funded if the normal medical treatments have failed. Re
assurance that the problem is not due to the abuse of drugs with
bodybuilding.
Pseudo-gynaecomastia, where the enlargement of the male breast is due to
an excess of adipose tissue and the BMI is outside the range of a normal
BMI, or where there is evidence that the problem relates to the use of drugs
associated with body building, funding will not normally be agreed unless
there is clear evidence that the problem has persisted in spite of rigorous
dieting and weight loss.
Rationale
Commonly gynaecomastia is seen during puberty and may correct once the
post-pubertal fat distribution is complete if the patient has a normal BMI. It
may be unilateral or bilateral. Rarely it may be caused by an underlying
endocrine abnormality or a drug related cause including abuse of anabolic
steroids. It is important that male breast cancer is not mistaken for
gynaecomastia and, if there is any doubt, an urgent consultation with an
appropriate specialist should be obtained.
General Practitioner/
Tertiary
Referral
Plastic Surgery Consultant
Grading Process
Referral Letter to
Out Patients
Department
Patient removed
from
OPD
waiting list
Appointment
Yes No
Does Referral
Require
Funding
Validation/
Support Office
Commissioning
Refused
Manager Authorised
Assessment in line
with SRP
Refusal letter to
referrer and
patient
Appeals Process
Appendix 1 – Pathway for Plastic Surgery Authorisation
OTHER SURGERY
EAR NOSE AND THROAT SURGERY
Grommets for otitis media with effusion
In addition, please note the Adenoidectomy Policy. It is envisaged that
the decision to perform adenoidectomy at the time of grommet
insertion, if appropriate, would be undertaken by the ENT surgical team.
Definition
A small bobbin-shaped tube used to keep open the incision made in the
ear drum as a ventilation of secretory otitis media. It acts as a ventilation
tube by allowing the Eustachian Tube to recover its normal function.
Policy Summary
At least 50% of Otitis Media with effusion (OME) will resolve spontaneously
within 3 months. Therefore a period of watchful waiting for at least 3
months is the best management strategy for children with otitis media with
effusion.
Grommets should only be considered for patients satisfying defined
criteria.
Eligibility criteria
Children with hearing impairment should have a period of at least 3 months
of watchful waiting from the date of the first appointment with an audiologist
or GP and the child is placed on a waiting list for the procedure at the end
of this period.
The PCT will agree to fund treatment with grommets for children with otitis
media with effusion (OME) where:
 there has been a period of at least three months watchful waiting from
the date of the first appointment with an audiologist or GP and the child
is placed on a waiting list for the procedure at the end of this period;
and
 A. OME persists after three months and the child (over three years of
age) suffers from at least one of the following:
 at least 5 recurrences of acute otitis media in a year;
 evidenced delay in speech development;
 educational or behavioural problems attributable to persistent
hearing impairment, with a hearing loss of at least 25dB particularly
in the lower tones (low frequency loss);
 a second disability such as Down's syndrome or cleft palate;
or B. for children aged 2 years, the child has:
 OME with prolonged effusion (6 months or longer);
 AND measured hearing losses for 6 months or more;
 AND disability attributable to hearing loss (delay in speech
development or other problems).
(There is some published evidence that suggests that prompt insertion of
ventilation tubes in the under 3s does not significantly improve general and
language developmental outcomes. However, most trials have not studied
children under 3 years of age with periods of effusion longer than 6-9
months or those with moderate or severe hearing loss)
Funding will also be agreed if:
 OME is overlaying sensorineural deafness or is delaying diagnosis or
treatment with aids or cochlear implants - this would be an indication
for immediate grommets;
Regular audit of the indications for the surgical procedures carried out
should be undertaken.
Rationale
Evidence of effectiveness is limited: “surgery may resolve glue ear and
improve hearing in the short term” compared with non-surgical treatment,
but “there is less certainty about long-term outcomes and large variation in
effect between children”.
“There continues to be debate about how best to select children for
surgery. The issue is complicated by the high rate of resolution of glue
ear, particularly in younger children.”
“Timing of surgery may not be critical”. A 1999 trial compared 9 months
'watchful waiting' with immediate surgery and found outcomes to be similar
by 18 months. However, by this time, 85% of children in the watchful
waiting group had been treated with grommets.
“The benefits of surgery have to be balanced against possible
harms”. About one third of children who have grommets have
complications. Tympanosclerosis frequently occurs after grommet
insertion, infection may occur, and there is a slightly increased incidence of
chronic perforation.
The reduced risk of serious complications of anaesthesia and surgery
must be balanced against the increased hearing loss and episodes of
infection requiring antibiotic treatment and time off work, school or college.
Restricting access to grommets is not a new phenomenon. A 1995
survey revealed that 23 of the 129 then health authorities in England,
Scotland and Wales had excluded grommets.
Conclusion of the Cochrane review
The benefits of grommets in children appear small compared with
myringotomy or non-surgical treatment. “The effect of grommets on
hearing diminished during the first year”. Adverse effects on the tympanic
membrane are common after grommet insertion. “Therefore, an initial
period of watchful waiting seems to be an appropriate management
strategy for most children with OME. As no evidence is yet available for
the subgroups of children with speech or language delays, behavioural and
learning problems or children with defined clinical syndromes (generally
excluded from the primary studies included in this review), the clinician will
need to make decisions regarding treatment for such children based on
other evidence and indications of disability related to hearing impairment”.
BMJ Clinical Evidence: Otitis media effusion. Williamson I -
Summary
“One systematic review found that grommets improved hearing at up to 2
years, but not at 5 years compared with no grommets. The clinical
significance of the improvement seen (<10dB) was unclear. The review
found that grommets did not significantly improve cognition, language
comprehension or expression compared with no grommets, although
relatively insensitive outcomes may have been used. Grommets were
associated with an increased risk of tympanosclerosis at 1 year. One
systematic review found that grommets plus adenoidectomy improved
hearing at 6 months compared with no treatment, although the difference
between the groups was reduced at 12 months. The review found no
significant difference between the combined treatment and grommets
alone at up to 12 months. Another review found that the combined
treatment improved hearing more than adenoidectomy alone at up to 12
months, but found no significant difference between treatments at 2-5
years. The clinical significance of the improvements seen with surgery was
unclear”.
SIGN guideline recommendation
A: Children under three years of age with persistent bilateral otitis media
with effusion and hearing loss of =<25 dB, but no speech and language,
development or behavioural problems can be safely managed with
watchful waiting. If watchful waiting is being considered, the child
should undergo audiometry to exclude a more serious degree of hearing
loss.
B: Children with persistent bilateral otitis media with effusion who are over
three years of age or who have speech and language, developmental or
behavioural problems should be referred to an otolaryngologist.
References
1. MRC Multicentre Otitis Media Study Group (2001). Surgery for
persistent otitis media with effusion:generalizability of results from the
UK trial (TARGET). Clin. Otolaryngol (26); 417-424
2. Rosenfeld et al (2004). Clinical practice guideline: Otitis media with
effusion. Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery (130);5;s95-s118
3. Rovers, M et al (2000). The Effect of Ventilation Tubes on Language
Development in Infants With Otitis Media With Effusion: A Randomized
Trial. Pediatrics (106);3
4. Paradise, J.L.(2001). Effect of early or delayed insertion of
typanostomy tubes for persistent otitis media on developmental
outcomes at the age of three years. NEJM (344);16;1179-1187
5. Paradise, J.L (2005). Developmental Outcomes after Early or Delayed
Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes. NEJM (353);6;576-587
6. Prodigy guidance: Glue ear. (available online at
http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/glue_ear/extended_information/management
_issues
7. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 1: Grommets
for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion. Lous J,
Burton MJ, Felding JU, Ovesen T, Rovers MM, Williamson I. Available
online at:
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD00
1801/frames.html
8. BMJ Clinical Evidence: Otitis media with effusion (available online at:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/ent/0502/0502.pdf,
free registration required).
9. SIGN guideline 66. Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Otitis
Media in Primary Care (available online at
http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign66.pdf).
Glossary
Adenoidectomy: Surgical removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are an
overgrowth of tissue at the back of the throat, into which
the nose opens.
Down's Syndrome: A genetic disorder in which the affected person
usually carries an extra chromosome - 47 instead of the
usual 46.
Glue Ear: Another name for secretory otitis media (infection of the
middle ear) - persistent sticky fluid in the middle ear.
Grommet: A small bobbin-shaped tube used to keep open the
incision made in the ear drum in the treatment of
secretory otitis media. It acts as a ventilation tube by
allowing the Eustachian tube to recover its normal
function.
Myringotomy: An operation to cut open the drum of the ear to provide
drainage for an infection of the middle ear.
Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear.
Otolaryngologist: A specialist in ear, nose and throat disorders.
Tympanosclerosis: A pathological hardening or thickening of the ear
drum.
Tonsillectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of tonsil or tonsils
Policy
The following are recommended as reasonable indications for
consideration of Tonsillectomy in both children and adults, based on the
current level of knowledge, clinical observation in the field and the
results of clinical audit. Patients should meet the following criteria:
 sore throats are due to tonsillitis;
 five or more episodes of sore throat per year;
 symptoms for at least a year;
 the episodes of sore throat are disabling and prevent normal
functioning.
OR the patient (applicable to teenagers or adults only) should have:
 intractable cough with a high level of streptococcal antibody; OR
 severe halitosis which has been demonstrated to be due to tonsil crypt
debris.
Note should also be taken of whether the frequency of episodes is
increasing or decreasing.
The PCT will fund Tonsillectomy in cases of suspected malignancy.
Tonsillectomies for other indications will need to be referred to the PCT
Special Cases Panel before surgery is undertaken. Regular audit of the
indications for the surgical procedures carried out should be undertaken.
Rationale
 Tonsillectomy offers relatively small clinical benefits compared with
non-surgical treatment, measured best in terms of time off school. The
benefit in the year after the operation is roughly 2.8 days less taken
away from school.
 Tonsillectomy carries a risk of mortality estimated to lie between 1 in
8,000 and 1 in 35,000 cases.
Evidence
 A Cochrane systemic review concluded that: “There is no evidence
from randomised controlled trials to guide the clinician in formulating
the indications for surgery in adults or children”.
 The frequency of sore throat episodes and upper respiratory
infections reduces with time whether Adenotonsillectomy has been
performed or not.
 Adenotonsillectomy probably “gives an additional, but small,
reduction of sore throat episodes, days of sore throat associated
school absence and upper respiratory infections compared to
watchful waiting”.
References
1. Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy. A
national clinical guideline. SIGN Publication Number 34.
2. Ryan, C.F. Sleep 9:An approach to treatment of obstructive sleep
apnoea hypopnoea syndrome including upper airway surgery.
Thorax 2005;60:595-604.
3. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Adenotonsillectomy
for obstructive sleep apnoea in children.
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/
CD003136/abstract.html
4. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Tonsillectomy versus
non-surgical treatment for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis
(Review):
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/
CD001802/frame.html.
5. Van Staaij et al. Adenotonsillectomy for upper respiratory
infections: evidence based? Arch Dis Child 2005;90:19–25.
Adenoidectomy
Policy summary
Adenoids are an overgrowth of glandular tissue at the back of the
throat, into which the nose opens. Adenoidectomy combined with
grommets may be considered in children who fulfil evidence-based
eligibility criteria.
Adenoidectomy combined with grommets may be considered in
children who fulfil the criteria for grommets as follows:
The PCT will agree to fund treatment with grommets for children with
otitis media with effusion (OME) where:
 There has been a period of at least three months watchful
waiting from the date of the first appointment with an audiologist
or GP and the child is placed on a waiting list for the procedure
at the end of this period,
and
A. OME persists after three months and the child (over three
years of age) suffers from at least one of the following:
 at least 5 recurrences of acute otitis media in a year;
 evidenced delay in speech development;
 educational or behavioural problems attributable to
persistent hearing impairment, with a hearing loss of at
least 25dB particularly in the lower tones (low frequency
loss);
 a second disability such as Down's syndrome or cleft
palate.
or
B. for children aged 2 years, the child has:
OME with prolonged effusion (6 months or longer);
 AND measured hearing loss;
 AND disability attributable to hearing loss (delay in speech
development or other problems).
[There is some published evidence that suggests that prompt
insertion of ventilation tubes in the under 3s does not
significantly improve general and language developmental
outcomes. However, most trials have not studied children under
3 years of age with period of effusion longer than 6-9 months or
those with moderate or severe hearing loss.]
or
C. the child does not have OME but has had at least 5
occurrences of acute otitis media in the last year with
additional complications such as perforations, persistent
discharge, febrile convulsions, sensorineural deafness or
cochlear implantation.
27
All referrals should be through an agreed pathway to optimise access
to conservative treatment and advice. Regular audit of the indications
for the surgical procedures carried out should be undertaken.
Other indications for adenoidectomy in conjunction with tonsillectomy
that would require referral to the PCT Special Cases Panel include
:
Sleep apnoea (demonstrated by a sleep study or other accepted
method of diagnosis) - a literature review by Ryan in 2005 was
published in Thorax. This found that, in children, including those
that are obese, “adenotonsillectomy was curative for 75-100%”.
However, a Cochrane review (2006) noted that there is no randomised
trial data relating to adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea in
children and more research is needed.
Rationale
 Clinical Evidence, last updated in November 2005 8, states that:
 ventilation tubes (grommets) and adenoidectomy represents a
trade off between benefits and harms;
 adenoidectomy on its own is of unknown effectiveness.
 In a Cochrane review of grommets, the reviewers note some
improvement in outcomes that look at adenoidectomy and
grommet insertion compared to grommet insertion alone.
In 2005, in a randomised control trial (n=193) comparing watchful
waiting with adenotonsillectomy for otitis media, Oomen et al found no
significant difference in the occurrence of otitis media between the
Adenotonsillectomy group and the watchful waiting group.
References
1. MRC Multicentre Otitis Media Study Group (2001). Surgery
for persistent otitis media with effusion: generalisability of
results from the UK trial (TARGET). Clin. Otolaryngol (26);
417-424.
2. Rosenfeld et al (2004). Clinical practice guideline: Otitis
media with effusion. Otolaryngology- Head and Neck
Surgery(130);5;s95-s118.
3. Rovers, M et al (2000). The Effect of Ventilation Tubes on
Language Development in Infants With Otitis Media With
Effusion: A Randomised Trial. Paediatrics (106);3.
28
4. Paradise, J.L (2001). Effect of early or delayed insertion of
tympanostomy tubes for persistent otitis media on
developmental outcomes at the age of three years. NEJM
(344);16;1179-1187.
5. Paradise, J.L (2005). Developmental Outcomes after Early or
Delayed Insertion of Typmanostomy Tubes. NEJM
(353);6;576-587.
6. Ryan, C.F (2005). Sleep 9: An approach to treatment of
obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome including
upper airway surgery. Thorax (60);595-604.
7. Lim, J and McKean, M (2001). Adenotonsillectomy for
obstructive sleep apnoea in children. Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews Issue 3.
8. BMJ Clinical Evidence: Otitis media with effusion (available
online at
http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/ent/0502/05
02.pdf, free registration required.
9. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grommets
(ventilation tubes) for hearing loss associated with OME in
children.
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/artic
les/CD001801/pdf.fs.html
10. Oomen. K et al (2005). Effect of adenotonsillectomy on
middle ear status in children. Laryngoscope Apr;115(4):731-4.
11. Thoseby M, Commissioning Information Manager, Anglia
Support Partnership; January 2007; Updated Clinical
Thresholds Analysis.
Glossary
Grommet: A small bobbin-shaped tube used to keep open the
incision made in the ear drum in the treatment of secretory otitis
media. It acts as a ventilation tube by allowing the Eustachian tube to
recover its normal function.
Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear.
Down's Syndrome: A genetic disorder in which the affected person
usually carries an extra chromosome - 47 instead of the usual 46.
Cochlear implants
29
All referrals should be made by a consultant ENT surgeon, and that
referrals should not be accepted directly from general practitioners or
from voluntary agencies. Funding for cochlear implantation in children
should be available on demand. The level of funding allocated for
cochlear implantation in adults should be agreed by commissioners
each year, dependent on other financial commitments.
LASER TREATMENT FOR SOFT PALATE (Snoring)
Policy: This procedure is considered a low priority treatment and is
not normally funded by the PCT.
Definition: Palatal flutter is thought to be the main contributor to
snoring. This may be corrected by the procedure called “laser
uvolopalatoplasty”which aims to cause fibrosis and stiffen the palate
by removing a central strip of palatal mucosa with a laser. There is still
a lack of good long-term trial based evidence about this procedure.
Note: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a different and more
serious condition. This involves the periodic reduction or cessation
of breathing due to the narrowing of the upper airways during sleep.
OSA sufferers have an irregular snoring pattern with shorter and
shorter sounds leading to a period of silence. This is usually followed
by an episode of struggling for air associated with sudden
awakening. As a result, these patients experience daytime
somnolence. This policy does not apply to patients suffering from
OSA.
GYNAECOLOGY
D&C and hysteroscopy for heavy menstrual bleeding
Policy Summary
Patients will not receive D&C:
 As a diagnostic tool for heavy menstrual bleeding, or
 As a therapeutic treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
Patients will receive hysteroscopy in the investigation and
management of heavy menstrual bleeding only when it is carried out:
30
 as an investigation for structural and histological abnormalities
where ultrasound has been used as the first line diagnostic tool
and where the outcomes are inconclusive
 post-dilatation, pre-procedure when undertaking endometrial
ablation.
Rationale
 Ultrasound should be considered the first line diagnostic tool for
the identification of structural pathology in heavy menstrual
bleeding.
 Hysteroscopy with biopsy is an accurate method for identification
of endometrial and some submucosal pathology, but should be
considered only where ultrasound outcomes are inconclusive
 Limited evidence is available on the use of therapeutic D&C for
heavy menstrual bleeding. The one study that was identified by
NICE showed that any effect was temporary.
Technical terminology defined
Hysteroscopy - Diagnostic procedure in which a lighted scope
(hysteroscope) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to enable
to the physician to view the inside of the uterus
References
1. NICE Heavy Menstrual Bleeding – Full Guideline Consultation July
2006 www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=345919
Hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding
Policy Summary
Patients will only receive hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding
when:
 There has been a prior trial with a levonorgestrel-releasing
intrauterine system (unless contraindicated) which has not
successfully relieved symptoms.
AND
 Other treatments (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents, tranexamic acid, endometrial ablation, uterine-artery
embolisation) have failed, are not appropriate or are contra-
indicated in line with NICE guidelines.
Rationale behind the decision
31
 The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system has been
shown to be effective in the treatment of heavy menstrual
bleeding.
 The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is
considerably cheaper than performing a hysterectomy, even if
required for many years.
 A number of effective conservative treatments are available
as second line treatment after failure of levonorgestrel-
releasing intrauterine system or where it is contra-indicated.
Technical terminology defined
Uterine artery embolisation: under conscious sedation, and both
uterine arteries are blocked with particles injected via the femoral and
uterine arteries. This procedure is performed by a radiologist.
Endometrial ablation: Removal of the lining of the womb. Removing
the uterine lining decreases menstrual flow or stops it completely.
References
1. NICE Heavy Menstrual Bleeding – Full Guideline Consultation July
2006 www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=345919
2. The Cochrane Library, Progesterone or progestogen-releasing
intrauterine systems for heavy menstrual bleeding. AE Lethaby,
I Cooke, M Rees, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006
Issue.
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Spinal surgery for non acute lumbar conditions
Policy Summary
Patients will only receive non-acute+ spinal surgery under the following
circumstances:
Surgical discectomy
(standard or microdiscectomy) in selected patients with sciatica
secondary to disc prolapse where conservative management for at
least 4-6 weeks has failed.
It is recommended that Primary Care Referral for assessment for
spinal surgery or other invasive intervention should only be considered
if radicular pain has not responded to non-invasive treatment after 4-6
weeks.
32
Fusion surgery
For chronic low back pain may be considered if severe pain despite
two years of an ‘active rehabilitation programme’ (cognitive
intervention combined with exercises is recommended when
available).
Rationale behind the decision
Surgical discectomy can provide effective clinical relief in the above
circumstances.
There is no clear evidence that surgical stabilisation is more
efficacious than intensive rehabilitation in relieving patients of
symptoms of low back pain. Additionally there is cost utility evidence
showing that surgical stabilisation of the spine may not be a cost
effective use of scarce healthcare resources.
There is no or insufficient current evidence of effectiveness, and no
routine funding available for:
- newer forms of thermal and laser spinal procedures
- injections (epidural, facet joint, trigger point etc)
- surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylosis/degenerative
disc disease/spinal stenosis*
*except in cases of severe spinal stenosis with progressive
neurological deficits and severe neurogenic claudication.
Technical terminology defined
+ Acute conditions include back pain due to fracture, dislocation,
complications of tumour or infection and/or nerve root or spinal
compression responsible for progressive neurological deficit.
References
Gibson JNA, Waddell G. Surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylosis.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4
Van Tulder M, Koes B, Seitsalo S, Malmivaara A. Outcome of invasive
treatment modalities on back pain and sciatica: an evidence-based
review.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/718525118748783t/fulltext.pdf
Fairbank J, Frost H, Wilson-MacDonald J et al. Randomised controlled
trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an
intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back
pain: the MRC spine stabilisation trial. BMJ. 2005 May
28;330(7502):1233. Epub 2005 May 23
33
Rivero-Arias O, Campbell H, Gray A et al. Surgical stabilisation of the
spine compared with a programme of intensive rehabilitation for the
management of patients with chronic low back pain: cost utility
analysis based on a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2005 May
28;330(7502):1239
Osteoarthrosis of the knee
The PCT will not fund intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid in the treatment of
knee osteoarthritis.
The evidence for any significant benefit from this treatment is
underwhelming.
References
1. GH Lo et al. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in treatment of knee
osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. JAMA 2003 290: 3115-3121
2. A Aggarwal, IP Sempowski. Hyaluronic acid injections for knee
osteoarthrosis. Systematic review of the literature. Canadian Family
Physician 2004 50:249-256
3. Hyaluronic Acid Injections for OA knee. Bandolier Volume 11. Issue
5. May 2004
4. Guidelines for management of OA knee. Southend Hospital Working
Group. Chair: Prof. Bhaskar Dasgupta. 2006.
OPHTHALMIC SURGERY
Cataract Surgery
The decision on whether cataract surgery is likely to benefit a patient is
ultimately a matter for the patient and their professional advisors,
particularly the operating surgeon.
The current commonly used objective measurements of visual acuity
do not always accurately reflect a patient’s degree of visual disability.
The level of visual acuity that an individual patient requires to function
without altering their lifestyle is very variable.
34
A visual acuity of better than 6/12 [Snellen], 0.30 [LogMAR] in the
worse eye normally allows a patient to function without significant
visual difficulties.
Cataract surgery should, therefore, not normally be offered to patients
with a visual acuity of better than 6/12 in the worst eye. This applies to
both first and second eye surgery.
Patients with the following symptoms or clinical conditions may benefit
from cataract surgery when their visual acuity in the worse eye is
better than 6/12. This list is not exhaustive:
1. Patients experiencing significant glare and dazzle in daylight or
difficulties with night vision when these symptoms are due to
lens opacities. This indication applies particularly, but not
exclusively to driving.
2. Patients requiring particularly good vision for employment
purposes.
3. Difficulty with reading due to lens opacities.
4. Significant optical imbalance (anisometropia or anisekonia)
following cataract surgery on the first eye.
5. Management of coexisting other eye conditions.
6. Refractive error primarily due to cataract.
Cataract surgery/lens extraction should not normally be performed
solely for the purpose of correcting longstanding pre existing myopia or
hypermetropia.
The reasons why the patient’s vision and lifestyle are adversely
affected by cataract and the likely benefit from surgery must be
documented in the clinical records.
Providers will audit their indications for and outcomes of cataract
surgery and justify them to purchasers.
References
1. Castells X, Comas M, Alonso J, Espallargues M, Martinez V,
Garcia-Arumi J, Castilla M. In a randomised controlled trial,
cataract surgery in both eyes increased benefits compared to
surgery in one eye only. J Clin Epidemiol. 2006
Feb;59(2):201-7.
http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band57/b57-4.html
35
2. Laidlaw DA, Harrad RA, Hopper CD, Whitaker A, Donovan
JL, Brookes ST, Marsh GW, Peters TJ, Sparrow JM, Frankel
SJ. Randomised trial of effectiveness of second eye cataract
surgery. Lancet. 1998 Sep 19;352(9132):925-9.
3. Busbee B G, Brown M M, Brown G C, Sharma S. Cost-utility
analysis of cataract surgery in the second eye.
Ophthalmology, 2003;110(12):2310-2317.
4. http://nhscrd.york.ac.uk/online/nhseed/20040008.htm
5. NHS Executive, Action on Cataracts, Good Practice
Guidance, January 2000.
6. Thoseby M, Commissioning Information Manager, Anglia
Support Partnership; January 2007; Updated Clinical
Thresholds Analysis..
7. Black's Medical Dictionary. 40th Edition. A&C Black.
London 2002.
Glossary
Anisometropia: Inability to fuse images in the eyes adequately.
Anisekonia: Differences between the image in one eye and that in
the other.
Myopia: Short sighted or near sighted
Hypermetropia: Long sightedness
GENERAL SURGERY
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterised by attacks of
pain and tingling in the first three or four fingers of one or both hands,
which usually occurs at night. It is caused by pressure on the median
nerve as it passes under the strong ligament that lies across the front
of the wrist.
Policy
The PCT will fund Carpal Tunnel Surgery where:
 Symptoms persist after conservative therapy with either local
corticosteroid injections and/or nocturnal splinting.
or
 There is neurological deficit, for example sensory blunting, muscle
wasting or weakness or thenar abduction.
or
Severe symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities.
36
Rationale
 Conservative treatment offers short-term benefit (1-3 months)
similar to surgery and many patients’ symptoms may resolve for at
least a year after conservative treatment. After corticosteroid
injection, up to 50% of patients may report minor or no symptoms at
one year.
 The benefits of conservative therapy are seen early after treatment
and then decrease while the benefits of surgery take longer to be
fully realised.
 Corticosteroid injections and nocturnal splinting are effective
conservative therapies. Therefore patients would not normally be
referred for carpal tunnel syndrome unless they have had a local
steroid injection into the carpal tunnel together with the provision of
night splints. Electro-diagnostic tests are not indicated in the
diagnosis of classical carpal tunnel syndrome. These may be done
where there is doubt about the diagnosis, which is uncommon.
 In the longer term (3-18 months), surgery is better than
conservative therapy with up to 90% of patients reporting complete
or much improvement at 18 months.
A trial of conservative therapy offers the opportunity to avoid surgery
for some patients.
Evidence
 Local corticosteroid injection is effective in relieving symptoms, but
effectiveness beyond one month is uncertain. Local injection is
more effective than oral steroids (Cochrane Review, Search Date
May 2002).
 Some studies suggest up to 80% effectiveness (no or minor
symptoms) at one month which decreases to 50% at one year for
corticosteroid injection (Dammers et al) compared with placebo.
 Non-surgical treatment, including oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound,
yoga and carpal bone mobilisation show short-term benefit
compared with placebo or other non-surgical control interventions
(Cochrane Review, Search Date March 2002).
 Surgery is better than splinting at relieving symptoms at three
months and one year (Cochrane Review, Search Date October
2002).
Two recent randomised controlled trials compared surgery to injected
steroids. One (n=50) showed greater symptomatic improvement with
surgery at 20 weeks. The other (n=163) showed greater improvement
37
in the steroid group for nocturnal paraesthesiae at three months but
equivalence at six and twelve months. In the second study, most
patients needed two steroid injections and referral to surgery was
counted as treatment failure in the intention to treat analysis (Hui 2005,
Ly-Pen 2005).
 One recent randomised controlled trial compared splinting to
surgery. This study, included in the Cochrane review, showed
improved outcomes with surgery at three months and 18 months
(Gerritsen 2002). By 18 months, 41% of the splinting group had
undergone surgery.
 Two randomised controlled trials have compared steroid injections
with splinting. In one study in mild to moderate carpal tunnel
syndrome, at one year, splinting was effective for both symptoms
and nerve conduction when worn every night. Steroid injection was
not effective at one year (Sevim 2004). The other study (Celiker
2002) compared non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and
splinting to steroid injection. Both groups showed similar
improvement at eight weeks.
Risk of nerve damage is low for most patients and the relationship
between symptoms and nerve conduction study results is not good.
References
1. Ly-Pen D, Andreu JL, de Blas G, Sanchez-Olaso A, Millan I.
Surgical decompression versus local steroid injection in carpal
tunnel syndrome: a one-year, prospective, randomised, open,
controlled clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum 2005;52: 612-9.
2. J W H H Dammers, M M Veering, and M Vermeulen, Injection with
methylprednisolone proximal to the carpal tunnel: randomised
double blind trial BMJ 1999 319: 884-886.
3. A.C.F. Hui, S. Wong, C. H. Leung, P. Tong, V. Mok, D. Poon, C.
W. Li-Tsang, L. K. Wong, and R. Boet A randomised controlled trial
of surgery vs steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome
Neurology, June 28, 2005; 64(12): 2074 - 2078.
4. Marshall S, Tardif G, Ashworth N. Local corticosteroid injection for
carpal tunnel syndrome. The Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews 2002, Issue 4.
5. O'Connor D, Marshall S, Massy-Westropp N. Non-surgical
treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1.
6. Verdugo RJ, Salinas RS, Castillo J, Cea JG. Surgical versus non-
surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3.
38
7. Sevim S, Dogu O, Camdeviren H, Kaleagasi H, Aral M, Arslan E,
Milcan. A Long-term effectiveness of steroid injections and
splinting in mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurol Sci.
2004 Jun;25(2):48-52.
8. Gerritsen AA, de Vet HC, Scholten RJ, Bertelsmann FW, de Krom
MC, Bouter LM. Splinting vs surgery in the treatment of carpal
tunnel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. JAMA 2002 Sep
11;288(10):1245-51.
9. Celiker R, Arslan S, Inanici F. Corticosteroid injection vs
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and splinting in carpal tunnel
syndrome. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2002 Mar;81(3):182-6.
10. Thoseby M, Commissioning Information Manager, Anglia
Support Partnership; January 2007; Updated Clinical Thresholds
Analysis.
Black’s Medical Dictionary. 40th Edition. A & C Black. London 2002.
Glossary
Nocturnal splinting: A support worn on the hand at night.
Neurological: Conditions affecting the nervous system.
Placebo: Inactive substance - often used in clinical trials. Also has
the ability to relieve a variety of symptoms.
Thenar: The thenar eminence is the body of muscle on the palm of
the human hand just beneath the thumb.
Paraesthesiae: Unusual feelings, apart from mere increase, or loss
of sensation, experienced by a patient without any external cause.
Surgery for Varicose Veins
Policy
Surgical treatment will not normally be funded for those veins that
present a largely cosmetic problem or that cause simple aching that
could be adequately controlled by properly measured surgical support
stockings.
Surgical referral of patients with varicose vein with the complications
outlined below will continue to be funded:
 Venous ulceration
 Venous eczema refractory to short term steroid creams
 Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis
 Bleeding associated with varicose veins
 Post phlebitic syndrome
39
Circumcision
Circumcisions should be funded only for medical reasons. The
medical indications for circumcision are phimosis and recurrent
balanitis. Circumcision should not be funded for social or cultural
reasons.
OTHER POLICIES INCLUDED IN THE ESSEX HEALTH POLICY
BOARD SERVICE RESTRICTION POLICY
Allergy disorders
Only treatments for which there is evidence of clinical effectiveness
should be funded. These include allergen avoidance, drugs and
immunotherapy. Unconventional approaches to the management of
allergy disorders should not be funded. These include clinical ecology,
acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis, ionisation, and herbal medicine.
Bobath therapy
This policy specifies the criteria for referral of children with cerebral
palsy to the Bobath Centre in London. Referrals are to be considered
by the multidisciplinary team caring for the child, led by the Consultant
Community Paediatrician. The policy advocates that children fulfilling
the listed criteria should be considered for referral.
Children with cerebral palsy, requiring multidisciplinary therapeutic
input, can be considered for referral for Bobath therapy. These would
include:
 Severe, complex cerebral palsy
 Ataxic cerebral palsy
 Athetoid cerebral palsy
 Children with severe feeding difficulties
 Dystonic and hypertonic cerebral palsy
These children are to be assessed for the need for, and potential to
benefit from Bobath therapy, prior to referral. The Consultant
Community Paediatrician leading the child's care will be responsible
for assessment & referral, and also for informing the Primary Care
Trust of the decision.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This recommendation is based on the former NEHA policy and the
recommendations of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) Working Group. The former SEHA policy
was less detailed.
There is limited high quality evidence relating to the effectiveness of
interventions in CFS. The CFS/ME Working Group identified three
potentially beneficial approaches to managing CFS:
 graded exercise therapy
 cognitive behavioural therapy
 pacing
The majority of patients can be diagnosed and managed in a
community setting. Referral for a specialist opinion may be required if
there is doubt about the diagnosis, or the patient is not improving
despite management in primary care.
Complementary therapies
Treatments or diagnostic procedures that are poorly supported by
scientific theory and evidence of effectiveness, and are provided
outside the mainstream of medical practice, should not be supported.
Providers of services of unknown effectiveness should be asked to
present evidence that would support funding.
Specific examples of services that should be purchased only in
exceptional circumstances are:
 Homeopathy
 Acupuncture – except for the relief of pain or nausea, as an adjunct
to other treatment in the NHS
 Osteopathy and chiropractic services
Other complementary treatments, such as aromatherapy or massage.
Gender dysphoria
Gender reassignment surgery is a low-priority treatment, and will only
be provided under the NHS as set out in the guidelines below. Cases
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that fall within the exceptions set out below will be considered by the
PCT Special Cases Panel.
Only those persons having attained their legal majority or otherwise
considered competent should be considered for treatment.
The level of funding allocated for the treatment of Gender Dysphoria
should be agreed by commissioners each year, dependent on other
financial commitments.
Patients presenting to their GP should be referred to a local
psychiatrist for assessment. Referrals should be made by an approved
local consultant psychiatrist. A written recommendation will be needed
from the psychiatrist, who should have had clinical responsibility for
the patient for at least 6 months. Referrals should not be accepted
directly from GPs or other professionals.
The preferred providers are the Charing Cross Hospital for
assessment and hormonal treatment, and the Hammersmith Hospital
for surgical treatment.
Patients will be required to undertake a “real-life test” of trial cross-
gender living for at least two years. If the “real life test” is completed
successfully, the suitability of the patient for gender reassignment
surgery will then be assessed independently by two consultant
psychiatrists as part of the assessment process, prior to their seeking
funding for and progression to surgery.
A request to fund reassignment surgery will only be considered once
the patient has successfully completed the two-year “real life test” at
the Clinic and been independently assessed as suitable for such
surgery by two consultant psychiatrists.
In the event that the number of requests to fund reassignment surgery
in any year exceeds the identified funding patients will be prioritised on
the basis of the date at which they successfully completed the “real life
test” at the Clinic and were assessed as suitable for that surgery.
The PCT has a longstanding policy of not funding cosmetic surgery.
However, to ensure continuity of care, breast augmentation or
mastectomy, as appropriate, will be funded for patients for whom
genital reassignment surgery has already been funded or, in the case
of female-to-male transsexuals, where a patient has been assessed as
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not requiring genital re-assignment surgery, but does require
mastectomy.
Also for reasons of continuity of care, funding will normally be granted
for further surgery if needed to correct the technical results of initial
reassignment surgery.
Save for breast augmentation or mastectomy, as appropriate, as
provided above, any other cosmetic treatments related to gender
reassignment will only be funded in exceptional cases.
Infertility and assisted conception
All referrals should be made by a nominated local gynaecologist.
Referrals should not be accepted direct from General Practitioners.
Assisted conception includes IUI, IVF, MESA, PESA and related
techniques including ICSI.
Recommended eligibility criteria for NHS funding of assisted
conception:
 IVF treatment will only be offered to appropriate couples, where
the woman is aged 23 to 39 at the time of referral.
 Duration of infertility of 3 years for unexplained infertility or
infertility due to an identified problem, e.g. blocked fallopian
tubes. Exceptions will be made when the woman is approaching
34 years (fertility decreases with increasing age after 35 years)
 Couples with children, from any relationship, living with them, will
not normally, receive treatment.
 However, couples who have no children living with them should
be prioritised for help.
Couples who have received previous assisted conception treatment
either in the private sector or the NHS will not receive treatment.
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act:
All providers should take full account of the provisions of this Act. This
is to ensure that conditions concerning the welfare of any child born
following assisted conception are satisfied. Such considerations
should apply to all infertility services, and not only those licensed by
the Act.
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Amount of treatment funded:
One cycle of IVF and related procedures per couple, and up to 3
cycles of IUI should be funded in appropriate couples.
Only Clomiphene, Tamoxifen and Metformin should be prescribed in
primary care for the management of subfertility. GPs are advised not
to prescribe subfertility treatment needing monitoring within specialist
care such as gonadotrophins and Bromocriptine.
Associated drug costs of patients seeking private consultation should
not be funded. GPs are advised not to prescribe drugs for the
treatment of infertility arising from private treatment, both for financial
and safety reasons.
Reversal of sterilisation
Reversal of sterilisation should not normally be funded.
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